As I progressed through the netball ranks as a youngster, graduating to indoor courts, sprung wood floors and escaping from the unpredictable and often miserable British weather made the sport a much more enjoyable game for me. Having always had intense tendencies, playing netball indoors offered me not only relief from the weather but also some respite from the consistent collection of scabs on my body from frequent tumbles. That being said, nothing quite compares to a game of netball played outside on a gloriously sunny Saturday.
This Saturday, West Coast Fever will combine all the perks that the professional game has to offer with the added thrill of an open-air environment. The best venue in the league, Perth Arena, will be opening its 1,100 tonne roof to let the magnificent Perth sun shine down on our Round 7 game against the Adelaide Thunderbirds. Only the second sport, behind the Hopman Cup (tennis) to have the Perth Arena roof open, the Club has worked with the venue, league and broadcasters to bring netball fans a piece of netball world history.
In what will be an historical weekend for netball, the Suncorp Super Netball league, and our Club, the stage has been set for a fierce battle with our ‘local’ enemies. Having fallen just short in Round 1, and with both sides coming off the back of a disappointing Round 6, the roof has literally been raised for the biggest game of our season so far. Excited much… too bloody right!! The atmosphere has been electric at all of our home games so far and I hope that people continue to get behind the girls and show us your support on Saturday.
In terms of off-court shenanigans this week, I had been saving a few Perth activities to experience with my parents. I finally got over to experience the awesomeness that is Rottnest Island, surprising my parents with an overnight stay at Karma Rottnest. Bikes were ridden, selfies with Quokkas were taken and beaches were laid upon.
When I left my job in England at sports coach UK I was gifted a voucher for the C Restaurant in St. Martins Tower. I took my parents for a terribly British afternoon of High Tea that included finger sandwiches, scones and petit fours. Finally, although I have been to Kings Park before, I took my parents up to see the stunning sights of Perth, stroll along the tree top walkway, climb the DNA tower and wander through the Botanic Gardens. With just one week left of time with my life givers I am definitely making the most of any shred of free time I get to spend making memories with them in my beautiful new home.
Saving the best for last, I would like to give a massive shout out and sincere thank you to English based netball fan, Tyler-Sue Chapman who very generously sent me some Fever coloured hair ties (refer to Let’s Be Frank: Big Girl’s (almost) Cry!) and a very funny accompanying note. I was handed the package on Friday upon arrival at the game and when I opened it afterward it put a big smile on my face. I will be sure to consult with my hairdresser ahead of this weeks game how we can best utilise them. You’re a legend!
Gifts can and should be sent to the same address as mentioned in my Lonely loser blog 😉
Frank x
Twitter/Instagram: @StcyJyneFrancis
